Purchase of “Belvedere Remainder” finalised

GREAT BAY--Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr. and Minister of ECYS Melissa D. Gumbs have announced the finalization of the purchase of “Belvedere Remainder.” Following the transfer of funds to the account of Government on Friday, December 5, all relevant documents were signed by His Excellency Governor Ajamu Baly on December 9, 2025, making the purchase of Belvedere Remainder, totaling 288,402 m2 (71.3 acres or 28.8 hectares), a reality.

Former Minister of Finance Ardwell Irion initiated discussions with the Plantz family during the Jacobs II Cabinet regarding the purchase of land to address the country’s burial needs. An amount of USD 10 million for the purchase of land for housing and a small area for a cemetery was subsequently placed on the 2024 and 2025 country budgets, with the purchase of Belvedere Remainder North for a total of 130,219 m2 foreseen. However, no finalization of that purchase was realized.

In 2025, following renewed discussions with the Plantz family, Ministers Patrice Gumbs (VROMI) and Melissa Gumbs (ECYS) were able to negotiate an additional 158,183 m2, identified as Belvedere Remainder South, at no additional cost. The ministerial duo has secured the property at a significantly reduced and preferential price, to the benefit of the people of St. Maarten.

Belvedere Remainder North, encompassing 130,219 m2, will be allocated to the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) for mixed housing developments, along with an allocation of space for a cemetery.

Affordable housing remains one of the greatest challenges on St. Maarten. Minister Patrice Gumbs has expressed his intention to create a masterplan for the parcel that ensures a cohesive and attractive area that supports “lifespan housing”. This means persons will, in theory, be able to live in the development throughout, or at all the different stages of life. The plan includes provisions for the elderly and differently abled persons, two key segments of the population that are underserved in the current public housing inventory.

Gumbs (VROMI) has also stated that the intention is to use this project as a testing ground for innovative construction materials and techniques and renewable energy solutions, in an effort to cut costs and reduce waste, especially as Government moves towards creating opportunities through a circular economy. He noted that these principles are reflected in the now finalized housing policy.

Over the course of the year, VROMI has intensified discussions on the future of cemeteries and burial practices and will create a workgroup with representatives of all cemeteries to arrive at a common policy for the future. The introduction of user fees and a proper burial register are among the enhancements that Gumbs will pilot at this new location.

A few weeks ago he had announced that CAPEX expenditure for this land purchase was approximately Xcg 18 million. That amount was not repeated in the issued press release on Wednesday.

“My vision is that this project will not only address both critical shortages in both housing and burial but also set the standard for quality affordable housing, spatial planning, and community development for the people of Sint Maarten as well.”

The second parcel, Belvedere Remainder South, will be allocated to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport for initiatives focused on the restoration and preservation of this historic heritage site. Once home to the Belvedere Plantation, the area offers a meaningful link to St. Martin’s early history and cultural identity. Earlier this year, both Ministers, along with Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten, visited the site for a presentation and tour by local historian Jean-Marc Augusty on its significance within the island’s cultural landscape.

Belvedere Remainder South, encompassing 158,183 m2, based on Mr. Augusty’s research thus far, contains several plantation-era structures that remain, including the boiler house, two cisterns, and the remains of the old main house. ECYS Minister Gumbs emphasised the importance of safeguarding the site and thanked the Plantz family for ensuring that the land remains dedicated to heritage preservation. The initiative also complements work under the Slavery Remembrance Fund, particularly efforts to document and honour local narratives while building national capacity in heritage and environmental preservation.

“The intention is to ensure that restoration projects are prioritised and that development of Belvedere South is strictly aimed at the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage,” she explained. “Through initiatives such as the pending scholarship fund to build national capacity in heritage and environmental preservation, we are strengthening our ability to steward sites like Belvedere South in a sustainable way so that for generations to come it will remain a space that can be embraced and enjoyed by our people and visitors alike.”

The purchase comes as the Department of Culture begins the review and revision of the Integrated Culture Policy, which has not been evaluated or reviewed since it was established in 2007. Since then, much has changed locally and internationally, and the Minister of ECYS has prioritised a modernisation of the policy, which will be done in collaboration with UNESCO.

“Preservation is not simply about designating certain sites as monuments or heritage spaces,” she expressed. “We must build the expertise locally, draw from regional knowledge networks, and update preservation models and processes to match the realities of climate change. Given the extensive green space, conservation efforts will also consider the natural landscape as an integral part of the site’s heritage value, and the Ministry will undertake a phased assessment, with community engagement and expert input, to determine the most appropriate preservation and educational uses for the site.”

This acquisition represents a strategic investment by the government, securing long-term public control over land that is critical to both national housing development and cultural preservation. The purchase was completed following extensive due diligence, valuation review, and coordination with the Plantz family, ensuring that the terms support responsible, sustainable use of the land for the benefit of the people of St. Maarten and the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage.

“The Plantz family is proud to have been able to come to this mutually beneficial conclusion, whereby the family heritage and the heritage of St. Maarten will continue to be preserved in perpetuity,” said the Plantz family in an invited comment.

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